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Flying with a medical condition, have a disability or just require a little bit of extra assistance? Whatever support you need, we’re here to help. Our priority is that you fly comfortably and safely.

Apply for medical clearance

Read our guidelines to understand how we determine if you’re medically fit to fly. If you need to apply for medical clearance, please complete a MEDIF form

Medical certificates and MEDIF Form

If you need medical clearance to fly, make sure to submit your MEDIF form (Medical Information for Fitness to Travel) and most recent medical report at least 72 hours before your flight by email or at your local ticketing office. If approved, you’ll be issued with a certificate from the Etihad Airways Medical Centre (EAMC) which states that you are fit to fly. Keep this with you at all during your flight.

Remember:

All forms must be submitted in English and issued from your treating physician within 14 days of your flight

Your MEDIF must be completed, signed and dated - incomplete forms will not be accepted

You’ll be advised if you need a separate MEDIF form for your return journey

Notify us immediately of any change in your condition before your flight

If your condition changes significantly, you may be asked to obtain another MEDIF form to confirm that you are fit to fly

All ground requirements such as hospital arrangement/ambulance transfer and oxygen to be used during departure, transit and arrival is the guest’s responsibility and must be arranged solely by the guest.

If you are required to use supplemental oxygen on the ground (like in the airport terminal prior to boarding, after landing or during transit), you must use your own Personal Oxygen Concentrator (POC).

Who needs medical clearance to fly?

You’ll need medical clearance to fly if you:

Suffer from an actively contagious condition

Have recently had a major medical incident

Suffer from unstable physical or psychological condition

Need a stretcher

Have a medical condition which may be adversely affected by flying

Have a condition that is a potential hazard to the safety of other guests or punctuality of the flight

Get in touch to let us know what you need or request assistance when you book your flight.

Flying with a partner airline? Services differ from one airline to another. Please contact the operating airline for all assistance enquiries

More help with flying

If you’re travelling with a medical condition, we’ll do everything we can to make your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, we advise that you see your doctor before you fly.

Always make sure that you have valid and health insurance for your trip.

Nurse on board

Fly with peace of mind thanks to our onboard nurse service. Our fully-trained nurse will be on hand throughout the entire journey; they’ll ensure that all medical forms and documents are in place, assist with boarding and offer medical assistance during the flight

Always carry medication in your cabin baggage with a prescription or letter from your doctor. Regulations will vary depending on the country that you are visiting so always familiarise yourself with what medication you can or cannot take with you on your trip. Medication cannot be refrigerated onboard. Guests who have to administer injections onboard are urged to dispose of needles and syringes responsibly by informing a cabin crew member.

Allergies and anaphylaxis

We cannot guarantee a cabin environment or food that will be free of specific allergens. Special non-allergic food arrangements have to be made by the guest.

If you are at risk of anaphylaxis due to allergens, you must

Carry an auto-injector device (e.g. EpiPen) or syringe in your hand luggage and ensure that you or an escort are willing to and capable of administering it

Present a medical certificate or doctor's letter to the airline confirming your need for an auto-injector device – the certificate or letter may not older than three months from the date of travel

Arthritis

If you suffer from arthritis, you do not need medical clearance to fly. However, if your mobility is severely impaired, a medical report and MEDIF is required.

Artificial limbs

Medical clearance is not required for guests who can use aircraft facilities on their own.

Asthma

If you suffer from asthma, you do not need medical clearance to fly. However, if you require oxygen, a medical report and MEDIF is required.

Always make sure to carry your medication in your cabin baggage.

Blind or visually impairment

If you are blind or have a visual impairment, please let us know at least 48 hours before your flight so that we can make arrangements to assist you during your trip. When you arrive at the airport, please notify our staff so that we can help you get to the gate and to board the aircraft. On board, our cabin crew read the menu for you, help you identify food items and placement on your tray and assist with opening packages if you need it.

You do not need medical clearance to fly unless

You are temporarily blind

You are travelling as part of a group of visually impaired guests

Deaf, hearing impairment or mute

If you are deaf, have a hearing impairment or are mute, please let us know at least 48 hours before your flight so that we can make arrangements to assist you during your trip. On board, our cabin crew will update you when we make announcements. You do not need medical clearance to fly.

Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you do not need medical clearance to fly. However, if you require a specific meal or treatment during the flight, please let us know at least 24 hours before your flight.

Always carry medication, including insulin, appropriately packaged in your cabin baggage with a prescription or letter from your doctor. Regulations will vary depending on the country that you are visiting so always familiarise yourself with what medication you can or cannot take with you on your trip. Please always dispose of needles and syringes responsibly by informing a member of our cabin crew.

You may require medical clearance if your condition is unstable or you have recently been admitted to hospital.

Fractures

If you have a fracture and a cast (the cast must be at least 48 hours old), you will require a medical certificate to fly.

Plasters should be split for fresh injuries (48 hours or less) which could swell inside the cast on a long flight.

Extra legroom for leg elevation is not possible in our Economy cabins. If you need to keep your foot elevated, please consider booking one of our premium cabins.

Lung or heart disease

If you suffer from a cardiopulmonary condition which causes dyspnoea on walking more than 100m, or which has resulted in requiring oxygen in hospital or at home (or previously required in-flight), you may require supplemental oxygen on board.

Aircraft oxygen is for emergency use only.

If you request continuous oxygen or the use of a stretcher, you must provide a recent and detailed medical report, including the oxygen saturation on room air, on supplemental oxygen and oxygen flow rate, along with your MEDIF certificate.

Physical disabilities and supporting devices

We have a number of wheelchair options available to help guests with limited mobility. Please simply request assistance in advance to avoid delays at the airport. Electric wheelchairs must be dry-cell operated in order to meet our cabin safety requirements.

Assistive devices such as canes, crutches and foldable walkers are allowed in the cabin, but they must be securely stored before take-off and landing. Cabin chairs are available on board all of our flights to assist non-ambulatory guests to move to and from the aircraft toilets. The majority of our aircraft are also equipped with accessible toilets.

Civil Aviation Rules require all guests to be able to keep the aircraft seat with the seat back in the upright position when required. The following supporting devices are acceptable for upper torso support

CARES Harness for children over 1 year old and weighing up to 20kg (Economy only)

SPECIAL CARES Harness for adult guests with special needs and children weighing more than 20kg

CRELLING Harness (Model 27)

Economy cabin only: Type 27I (2-5 years) and Type 27A (5-8 years)

All cabins: Type 27B (9 years - adult)

CRELLING Shoulder Strap (HSB1)

Economy cabin only: Type HSB1 (2 years - adult)

Decompression sickness

Decompression sickness occurs if diving is followed immediately by travel to altitudes above sea level. If you have been scuba diving, we advise you delay your travel by 24 hours and by 48 hours after decompression diving.

If you’re suffering from decompression sickness, you will need to obtain medical clearance through MEDIF. Refer to our Fitness to fly guidelines to understand how soon you are able to travel after suffering from decompression sickness.

Newborn babies

Newborn babies are permitted to fly seven days after birth, provided that the baby was not premature and there were no complications resulting from the birth. If the baby was born prematurely or there were complications, you are required to submit a MEDIF form and medical report.

Expectant mothers

During the first 28 weeks of your pregnancy, you do not need a medical certificate to fly, though we’d always recommend speaking with your doctor to get their advice before you travel. From weeks 29 to 36, you will require a medical certificate to fly, which you’ll have to present when you check in at the airport.

In some cases, you may be required to travel with a safety assistant or a personal care attendant. An escort must be above the age of 18 years old and both physically and mentally capable of attending to the guest.

Safety assistant

A safety assistant will help a guest to exit the aircraft in the case of an emergency evacuation or will establish communication with our cabin crew for the safety briefing. A safety assistant will not look after a guest’s personal needs.

A safety assistant is required in the following situations

Stretcher case: The safety assistant must be capable of attending to the medical needs of the guest

Mental disability or impairment: The guest is unable to comprehend or respond to safety instructions

Severe mobility impairment: The guest is unable to evacuate without help

Severe hearing and vision impairments

Personal care attendant

A personal care attendant should be fully familiar with the condition and requirements of the guest and is capable of attending to their needs throughout the flight. This includes administering medication, eating and drinking and help with using the toilet facilities.

Guests who are not self-reliant are strongly recommended to travel with a personal care attendant.

Approved devices

All medical devices intended to be used on board must be labelled by the manufacturer to reflect that it has been tested to meet applicable United States Federal Aviation Authority/Department of Transportation requirements for medical portable electronic devices.

Alternatively, you may provide a compliance letter or certificate from the manufacturer stating the FAA approval. All medical devices must be dry-cell battery operated with sufficient battery supply for 1.5 times the flight duration.

All ventilated cases require prior submission of MEDIF to obtain medical clearance and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Etihad Airways Medical Centre. If approved, all ventilated cases must be accompanied by a physician experienced in aeromedical transportation.

Portable oxygen concentrator

If you intend to use your own device on board, you must submit a MEDIF to obtain medical clearance at least 72 hours before your flight.

You must also present a medical certificate, signed by a licensed physician, at check-in at least one hour before your flight.

The medical certificate must state

Whether the user of the device has the physical and cognitive ability to see, hear and understand the device’s aural and visual cautions and warnings and is able, without assistance, to take the appropriate action in response to those cautions and warnings

Whether or not oxygen use is medically necessary for all or a portion of the duration of the trip

Specify the maximum oxygen flow rate (corresponding to the pressure in the cabin of the aircraft under normal operating conditions)

GCAA Authorised/ FAA Approved Brands

The following devices are currently permitted for use on board our aircraft

AirSep Focus

AirSep FreeStyle

AirSep FreeStyle 5

AirSep LifeStyle

DeVilbiss Healthcare iGo

Inogen One

Inogen One G2

Inogen One G3

Inova Labs LifeChoice; or

International Biophysics LifeChoice

Inova Labs LifeChoice Activox

Invacare XPO2

Invacare XPO100

Invacare Solo2

Oxlife Independence Oxygen Concentrator

Oxus Inc. RS-00400; or

Delphi RS-00400

Precision Medical EasyPulse

Respironics EverGo

Respironics Simply Go

SeQual Eclipse

SeQual SAROS

SeQual Qxywell (model 4000)

Sequal eQuinox (model 4000)

VBOX Trooper

If your device is newly approved by the United States Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and is not listed above, please submit a MEDIF to obtain medical clearance at least five days before your flight and provide the supporting documents.

If you are a carrying a battery-powered, personal oxygen concentrator on board as cabin baggage but do not intend to use it during the flight, the battery must be removed. It must be packaged separately unless the concentrator contains at least two protective features to prevent accidental operation during transport.

Carrying and using personal oxygen concentrators

Personal oxygen concentrators may be carried on and used on board under the following conditions

The device does not cause interference with electrical, navigation or communication equipment

No smoking or open flame is permitted within 10 feet of any seat row where a person is using a portable oxygen concentrator

During taxi, take-off and landing, the unit must either be stowed under the seat in front or in another approved stowage location so that it does not block any aisle, entryway or row

If operated by the user, the device must only be used at a seat location that does not restrict any guest’s access to, or any required emergency or regular exit, or the aisle(s) in the compartment

No person using a portable oxygen concentrator is permitted to sit in an exit row seat

Whenever the pilot in command turns off the seatbelt sign, guests operating their portable oxygen concentrator may continue to operate it while moving about the cabin

If you’re using a portable oxygen concentrator, you must comply with the following conditions to use the device on board the aircraft

The user must be capable of hearing the unit’s alarms, seeing the alarm light indicators

They must have the cognitive ability to take the appropriate action in response or be travelling with someone who is capable of performing those functions

The user must ensure that the portable oxygen concentrator is free of oil, grease or other petroleum products and is in good condition, free from damage or other signs of excessive wear or abuse

The user must inform Etihad Airways Reservations Department that he or she intends to use a portable oxygen concentrator onboard the aircraft and must allow the crew of the aircraft to review the contents of the physician’s statement

Only lotions or salves that are oxygen-approved may be used if you are using the portable oxygen concentrator device

The user, whose physician statement specifies the duration of oxygen use, must obtain from the aircraft operator, or by other means, the duration of the planned flight

The user must carry a sufficient number of batteries to power the device for the duration of the oxygen use specified in the user’s physician statement, including a conservative estimate of any unanticipated delays

The user must ensure that all portable oxygen concentrator batteries carried on board the aircraft in cabin baggage are protected from short circuit and are packaged in a manner that protects them from physical damage

Batteries protected from short circuit include:

Those designed with recessed battery terminals

Those packaged so that the battery terminals do not contact metal objects (including the battery terminals of other batteries).

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure devices (CPAP/BIPAP)

Carrying and using CPAP/BIPAP devices

Prior medical clearance is not required to carry of use a CPAP/BIPAP device on board, provided that the following conditions are met

The device should display a manufacturer’s label that indicates that it has been tested to meet the applicable FAA requirements for medical portable electronic devices or otherwise accompanied by an FAA compliance letter from the manufacturer

The maximum weight and dimensions (length, width, height) of the device must not be larger than the allowed cabin baggage limits so that it does not block the aisle way or the entryway into the row

The device must be used only at a seat location that does not restrict any guest’s access to, or any required emergency or regular exit, or the aisle(s) in the cabin compartment

The user is not permitted to sit in an exit row seat

Battery operated or electrically powered devices are permitted

Electrically powered devices may be connected to an in-seat power supply; however, it is only available on selected aircraft. Please contact us to confirm which aircraft have an in-seat power supply.

On aircraft with an in-seat power supply, it is important to note

power is not available while the aircraft is on the ground

power may not be available for the duration of flight due to unforeseen circumstances

the electrical power rating may vary on different aircraft and the average output is 100-120 VAC/55-65Hz

guests must ensure they have necessary power adaptors to use the in-seat power

If using battery powered devices, it must comply with the battery requirements below

Our check-in staff will ensure that the device is in compliance with these conditions.

Battery requirements

If the device is powered by lithium ion batteries more than 100Wh but not exceeding 160Wh, you must send an email to contactcentre@etihad.ae at least 48 hours before your flight to obtain approval.

You must carry sufficient battery supply to power the device for 1.5 times the flight duration.

Spare batteries may be carried in cabin baggage only. They must be individually packaged in a way that protects them from damage and that all terminals are insulated.

If you are a carrying a battery-powered, medical device on board as cabin baggage but do not intend to use it during the flight, the battery must be removed. It must be packaged separately unless the concentrator contains at least two protective features to prevent accidental operation during transport.

Respirators and ventilators

Prior medical clearance through the MEDIF system is required to travel with a respirator or ventilator.

If you intend to use the device on board, you must notify us at least 72 hours before your flight.

If you need to use a ventilator you will usually be accompanied by a physician or experienced nurse. The appropriateness of a nurse or doctor escort will be evaluated by the Etihad Airways Medical Centre, based on the provided medical reports.

You must also present a medical certificate, signed by a licensed physician, at check-in at least one hour before your flight.

The medical certificate must state

Whether the user of the device has the physical and cognitive ability to see, hear and understand the device’s aural and visual cautions and warnings and is able, without assistance, to take the appropriate action in response to those cautions and warnings

Whether or not oxygen use is medically necessary for all or part of the trip

Specifies the maximum oxygen flow rate (corresponding to the pressure in the cabin of the aircraft under normal operating conditions).

Carrying and using respirators and ventilators

Respirators and ventilators may be carried on and used on board under the following conditions

Prior medical clearance through the MEDIF system has been obtained

The particular ventilator, respirator or continuous positive airway pressure device(s) must be labelled by the manufacturer to reflect that it has been tested to meet applicable United States Federal Aviation Authority(FAA) / Department of Transport requirements for medical portable electronic devices

The maximum weight and dimensions (length, width, height) of any device to be used by an individual that can be accommodated in the aircraft cabin; under seat, overhead stowage or secured against lateral and / or vertical movements

The device must be used only at a seat location that does not restrict any guest’s access to, or any required emergency or regular exit, or the aisle(s) in the cabin compartment

The user is not permitted to sit in an exit row seat

The user carries an adequate number of batteries, including spares, to power the device, which are packaged in accordance with applicable safety regulations

Our check-in staff will ensure that the device is in compliance with these conditions.

In the interest of health and comfort, all of our aircraft are regularly treated with insecticides to comply with International Health Regulations. Please consider all flights as treated with insecticides.

Selected destinations require our teams to carry out additional insecticide treatments when the cabin is sealed and all guests are on board.

Etihad Airways is covered by this rule for any flight to or from a US airport. To view a copy of the US Rule for Non-discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel applicable to all flights from and to the US, please ask one of our team at our airports serving the US.

Alternatively, you can contact the US Department of Transportation

Toll-free hotline for travellers with disabilities: 1-800-778-4838 (voice) or 1-800-455-9880 (TTY) from within the US

Most of our aircraft are equipped with accessible toilets. Wheelchairs are also available on all of our flights to help non-ambulatory guests move to and from the aircraft toilets. Our cabin crew are unable to assist guests using the toilet facilities.

Choose your seat

Our choice of seats on board mean that you can find a spot where you’ll feel most comfortable, whether you’d prefer extra legroom, an aisle or exit row seat, or to be sat close to a toilet. We recommend that you reserve your seat as soon as you can so that we can make sure that we have the right seat available for you.

Our aircraft are equipped with emergency medical equipment in the case of any medical emergencies. Hospital admission, ambulance or transfer arrangements are the responsibilities of the guest.

Meet and Greet

If you need help getting around the airport, why not book our Meet and Greet service? Fast track through the airport and get assistance with your baggage.

Navigate quickly through the airport with a dedicated host

Peace of mind and assistance for elderly guests

Not familiar with the local language? Let us help

Perfect for first time flyers or guests travelling with children

Mobility aids and assistive devices

Mobility aids and assistive devices such as canes, crutches and foldable walkers are allowed in the cabin. They must be no longer than 81cm and securely stowed before take-off and landing. Upon request, our cabin crew will assist you with stowing and retrieving your devices.

Request a special meal

If you have a specific dietary requirement, you can request a meal at least 24 hours before your flight. Whether for health, medical or religious reasons, we’ll do everything we can to arrange a suitable meal for you. All of the meals we serve on board are prepared in strict compliance with Halal regulations. All of our meals and products are suitable for Muslims, so there is no need to make a request in advance.

If you are unable to sit and require a stretcher on board, please request our stretcher service at least 72 hours before your flight. You will need to provide proof of medical clearance before you are accepted to fly. Stretcher cases are only accepted for travel in Economy. In such cases, we will reserve six, eight, nine or twelve seats for you depending on the aircraft type. An escort is mandatory for guests requiring a stretcher. Medical escorts are only required if there is a need for a qualified nurse or doctor.

Therapeutic oxygen

If you require the use a Personal Oxygen Concentrator (POC) whilst you travel, you’ll need to request medical clearance at least 72 hours before your flight. We provide oxygen (with a simple facemask or nasal cannula at 1L, 2L, 3L, or 4L/min) for use onboard our aircraft. 4L/min may not be available on certain long-haul routes. We use the “Zero Two” oxygen cylinder which is compatible with other medical equipment. You can find more details and specifications here.

If you are required to use supplemental oxygen on the ground (like in the airport terminal prior to boarding, after landing or during transit), you must use your own Personal Oxygen Concentrator (POC). On ground oxygen requirements should be arranged by the guest. Etihad Airways does not provide oxygen on departure, during transit and on arrival.

Wheelchairs

If you need a wheelchair, please let us know at least 48 hours before your flight.

You can request a wheelchair from the following categories:

Ramp Wheelchair (WCHR): You require a wheelchair for long distances

Step Wheelchair (WCHS): You require a wheelchair for long distances and assistance with steps

Cabin Wheelchair (WCHC): You are completely immobile and require assistance to and from your seat onboard